New Cars See The Green Trend Growing

Figures out in the automobile industry show that the average new car emits 4.7% less CO2 gasses than the same period last year

. There has also been an increase in the number of new hybrid and alternatively fuelled cars, seeing almost twice as many sold throughout 2010.

It is thought that a combination of increased fuel efficiency, more aerodynamic, stream lined design and better technology has led to more new cars having greener credentials. The results also show that, compared to the same period last year, there has been a fall of around 10g/km for the average new car emission levels and when gauged against 2007 figures the level has dropped from a high of 190g/km.

New cars sold on the forecourts are giving off around 145g/km and the sales for alternatively fuelled cars have risen. Many manufacturers now are producing signposted eco-models, where the cars environmental benefits are highlighted in the name, or by carrying a badge announcing their efficiency. These include the Mecerdes blueEFFICIENCY, Vauxhall Ecoflex and the VW Bluemotion with the majority of manufacturers also making concerted efforts to reduce CO2 levels overall.

This signposting of eco-models has seen a rise of 141.4% during the first quarter of 2010, with over 74,000 eco cars being sold.

The economic recession and a desire by consumers both private and business, to save money on their vehicles running costs of cars have seen an increase in more fuel efficient models and less of a need to replace used cars than perhaps they would have previously.

The tendency to look for more greener cars and vehicles that fit into the lower VED bands for road tax purposes has benefited certain manufacturers and particular models more. Manufacturers have responded by offering alternative fuels, hybrid cars and differing ranges of more efficient engines.

Government legislation is also pushing forward the green issue with the UK leading the way in terms of offering incentives to buy electric cars and road tax advantages for the less polluting vehicles. The European Union also has put in place measures to increase environmental awareness amongst drivers. They have set a target of 130g/km for all new passenger cars by 2015 with the levels dropping to 95g/km by 2020. This will require manufacturers to make a 6% improvement on the current situation over the next ten years if the targets are to be reached.

So what are the lowest CO2 emitting cars on the market today?

Toyota Prius, is a classic hybrid car that gives its drivers around 50mpg and is considered one of the best fuel conserving cars in its class and only produces 89g/km of CO2.

Ford Fusion Hybrid, probably the most fuel-efficient sedan on the market and it gives around 41mpg.

Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion, at 80.7mpg gives a pretty decent level of performance for only 91g/km.

Smart Fortwo EV is probably the best deal around producing only 86g/km, while driving an incredible 96.8mpg.

by: caz

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